Muscat – As the world marked the International Day of Sign Languages on September 23, experts in Oman called for stronger support for people with hearing disabilities, noting that they continue to face barriers in education, employment and access to services.

This year’s global theme, ‘No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights’, highlights the role of sign language in enabling people with hearing impairments to exercise their fundamental rights.

Hamoud bin Nasser al Shidhani, Chairman of the Omani Association for People with Hearing Impairment, said while efforts have been made, more needs to be done. “Government agencies and private institutions must intensify engagement with this group. There is still a pressing need for greater awareness, integration and inclusive environments in education, workplaces and public services,” he said.

Shidhani noted that the association has been working to bridge the gap through training and awareness programmes covering sign language education, vocational skills and higher education support. “We connect the deaf community with employers, support entrepreneurship and advocate for fair employment opportunities,” he said.

However, he acknowledged challenges remain, particularly the shortage of interpreters, lack of specialised educational programmes and limited awareness among the public.

Board member Alaa Ali al Riyami stressed that sign language is a human right. “The deaf and hard-of-hearing must be able to access information, education and services in sign language. It is essential that governments and communities treat sign languages as part of our cultural and linguistic diversity,” he said.

Saeed bin Mohammed al Badai, Director General of the Communication Training Institute, described sign language as “the unforgettable voice of silence, the language of the soul and life”. He emphasised that it is a complete language with its own grammar and structure, recognised worldwide in over 300 forms, including Arabic and French sign languages.

“Sign language is the key that opens the doors of knowledge. It gives deaf people the ability to learn equally, boosts confidence and fosters creativity,” Badai said. He added that it plays a critical role not only in education but also in daily life, enabling communication with families, participation in society and building relationships.

Badai underlined the importance of training family members in sign language to prevent isolation within homes. He also called for sign language to be introduced into public and private schools, optional courses in higher education and regulations to formalise and protect the role of sign language interpreters.

Experts agreed that while progress has been made, empowering people with hearing impairments requires stronger societal awareness.